Remotely controlled suction/irrigation for surgery

Abstract

A system for the movement of fluids into and out of a surgical field is provided with a control module manipulated by a user; a valve controlled by the user via the control module, the valve controlling flow of a fluid; and a tube set having a proximal branch and a distal branch, wherein the proximal branch is opened and closed by the valve and at least a portion of the distal branch being flexible and a distal tip of the distal branch configured for manipulation within a surgical field. The valve is disposed at a distance to the surgical field and allows free access to tube by the user. Separate proximal branches for suction, irrigation, and insufflation are provided. One or more distal branches may be provided.

1 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A system for moving fluids into and out of a surgical field, the system comprising:
 a first proximal flexible tubing and a second proximal flexible tubing, the first and second proximal tubings connected to a distal flexible tubing at a Y connector;   a first valve constructed and arranged to control flow of irrigant in the first proximal tubing and the distal flexible tubing;   a second valve constructed and arranged to control fluid flow between the distal flexible tubing and a vacuum source;   a rigid distal tip attached to a distal end of the distal flexible tubing, the rigid distal tip having a lumen therethrough and a plurality of suction relief holes in a wall thereof, the rigid distal tip constructed and arranged to be manipulated by a surgical instrument and maneuverable to point in both a first direction and in a second direction 180 degrees from the first direction; and   a remote control for operating the first valve.   
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18  comprising a second remote control for operating the second valve. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 18  wherein the remote control is constructed and arranged to operate the first valve and the second valve. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 18  wherein the first and second valves can be opened independently and concurrently. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 18  including a fluid bag in fluid communication with the first proximal flexible tubing and an inflatable pressure cuff around the fluid bag.